Design of a portable device to improve confidence, stability, and sanitation during toilet self-transfers

Abstract

Our team interviewed wheelchair users, physical therapists, and occupational therapists and identified toileting as a major challenge. Many wheelchair users feel unsafe performing toilet transfers, especially in public spaces, because existing transfer products do not meet users’ needs. We identified independence, portability, stabilisation, ease of use, and sanitation as important factors based on user interviews. We produced a weight-bearing prototype and refined the design via user surveys used to validate our concept, assess user perception of the device, and inform us on how users would interact with it. When surveyed, 94.4 per cent of respondents indicated interest in using our Grip ‘N Go device.